US Bridges

U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek

Fair

McCurtain County, Oklahoma · 9.3 N Tx S/L · Structure no. 090490000000000

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Oklahoma average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,520 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S. 259
CrossesWaterfall Creek
Location9.3 N Tx S/L
RouteU.S. Route 259
CountyMcCurtain County
StateOklahoma
Coordinates33.77945, -94.79622
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2022)
Projected traffic3,520 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$644,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns U.S. 259 over Waterfall Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.